RECORD numbers of music-lovers were treated to a string of hits and glorious sunshine at one of Hampshire's biggest music festivals.

Queen drummer Roger Taylor was one of the biggest names to appear at this year's Wickham Festival, performing hits from the rock legends' back catalogue.

He appeared with Fish, Toyah Willcox and other members of the SAS Band – Spike’s All Stars – on Saturday night.

Their appearance on the main stage came after Southampton-born X Factor winner Matt Cardle accompanied the Trevor Horn Band.

Festival organisers said Matt’s performance of 10cc’s classic track I’m Not Alone “blew everyone away”.

Last night organiser Peter Chegwyn was celebrating another successful year.

He said: “We’re tired but very happy as well. We have had a wonderful weekend here. We’ve been lucky with the weather it was not good in the run-up to the event, but we couldn’t have asked for better weather.

“The feedback has been fantastic.”

He added that thousands of people were able to enjoy themselves in the sunshine with no reported incidents, making it four years in a row without any trouble.

He added that among all the acts, Matt Cardle’s appearance was one that had impressed crowds who weren’t aware of his talents.

“The great thing with festivals like this is that you see big names, and people you’ve never heard of," Peter added. "You can see the likes of Roger Taylor, who is more used to playing at Wembley alongside up-and-coming artists too.”

Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley set the organiser’s sights on gold to on Thursday night when he took to the main stage with a crowd-pleasing performance.

He dusted off 1980s standards such as True and Gold alongside tracks from his upcoming solo album in his main stage set after singer songwriter Eddi Reader - formerly of Fairground Attraction - while Blazin' Fiddles and Southampton singer Just Millie also performed.

Punk legends The Stranglers topped the bill on Friday night with sets from Bruce Foxton's From The Jam and Slim Chance.

Lindisfarne closed the family-friendly event last night with Steeleye Span, Hayseed Dixie and festival favourites the Red Hot Chilli Pipers also on the bill.

The four-day fiesta was voted Best Festival (under 15,000 capacity) at last year’s Live UK Music Business awards.

Revellers can look forward to next year's Wickham Festival which runs from Thursday August 6 to Sunday August 6. Visit www.wickhamfestival.co.uk for tickets and further information.